Super League of Malawi (Sulom) has admitted that fixture scheduling was one of the challenges it faced last season.
Going forward, the flagship football league runners are planning to introduce software automised fixtures from next season.
Sulom president Colonel Gilbert Mittawa said on Saturday that despite the hitches, the 2024 season was a success.
“It was a successful season which lived to expectations. It was a competitive season and our agenda of reviving, reforming and rebranding is progressing,” he said.
“However, it was not plain sailing and our main challenge was the manual fixture scheduling.”
Mittawa thanked the clubs, fans and sponsors, TNM plc, for contributing towards the success of the just-ended season.
The Sulom boss also said they plan to roll out e-ticketing at full scale through Mpamba debit card.
He said: “We want our football to progress and people will have to understand what e-ticketing is all about.”
Some clubs which The Nation spoke to yesterday hailed the Sulom president for admitting fixture challenges and the plan to come up with a solution.
FCB Nyasa Bullets acting chief executive officer (CEO) Albert Chigoga said: “To begin with, we are happy that Sulom has singled out fixture scheduling as the biggest weakness in the just-ended season.
“Hopefully, they will walk the talk by acting decisively to be seen that we are making strides.”
On e-ticketing, Chigoga said as a club, they have always been supportive of this innovation.
“However, thorough feasibility must precede full-throttle implementation,” he said.
On his part, Mighty Mukuru Wanderers CEO Panganeni Ndovi said: “Firstly, I applaud the Sulom president, Colonel Mittawa, for recognising the challenge posed by manual fixture scheduling.
“In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, relying on manual methods is indeed outdated and inefficient. The unpredictability of fixtures in 2024 caused significant disruptions for clubs, supporters, and other stakeholders, as last-minute changes made planning difficult.
“Embracing software for automated fixture scheduling is a welcome development that will enhance organisation, ensure better coordination, and help clubs plan effectively for successful football games.”
Reacting to the plan to roll out e-ticketing through Mpamba debit cards, Ndovi described it as a highly positive step towards modernising matchday operations and improving convenience for fans.
“However, it is crucial that proper measures are taken to ensure the project’s success. Supporters need to be adequately sensitised about the system, its benefits and how to use it effectively. Additionally, Mpamba cards should be widely available and accessible to fans in all regions,” he said.
Ndovi suggested the need for Sulom to work closely with clubs to facilitate the initiative, ensuring that clubs provide the necessary infrastructure and support to make the transition seamless.
He said: “By so doing, e-ticketing can enhance revenue collection, reduce fraud, and improve the overall matchday experience.
“These forward-thinking changes signal progress, but success will depend on effective implementation and collaboration among stakeholders.”
Mzuzu City Hammers co-owner and patron Gift Mkandawire said: “In my view, they tried their best compared to the past. There were some things that were a sacrifice to the teams somehow, like some games being played during working days, sometimes within two to three days spacing,” he said,
“Consistency of away and home games was a challenge. There was a time our team had to stay in Blantyre for two weeks. Automation will, therefore, remove match-fixing allegations.
“There were also times when other teams’ voices were heard more than others.
“On management, there was a lot to be desired as much of the time it was on auto pilot. There was a conspicuous leadership vacuum much of the time.”
